Granite countertops don't depreciate in value. It's a one-of-a-kind, natural surface that has an almost luminous look. Granite adds value to your home.
Granite is the most popular countertop material among homebuyers, and it can boost your home's value while helping you recover some of the installation cost. Installing countertops made of granite or another type of natural stone can potentially increase your home's value by up to 25 percent of its retail value.
Cons for Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are strong and durable as long as it receives sealing each year. If homeowners are lax in their maintenance, the porous granite can suck up oils, juice, and wine, which will be impossible to remove. Bacteria can also harbor inside granite if not sealed properly.
Granite can last for 100+ years; after all it is a natural substance found deep in the earth that is already millions of years old. Granite is a very hard substance, which means it is not as susceptible to scratching as other common countertop surfaces.
As for price, you can expect to pay somewhere in the range of $35 to $75 per square foot. The cost of the specific type of granite you choose can vary based on a number of factors.
Granite and other natural stone countertop sales are projected to grow into 2025, according to economists. Consumers and homeowners have fallen in love with granite over the last twenty years, and that's not ending anytime soon!
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.
In comparison to other countertop materials, granite has the capacity to last longer than other materials. Most granite and other natural stones can last anywhere from 100 years or more; whereas marble countertops last an average of 20 years.
Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule. How Often Do You Need To Seal Granite? Granite is a unique and natural material that is extremely durable, resistant to high temperatures, and easy to clean.
Granite surfaces feature tiny pores that can absorb liquids, staining the surface. Thankfully, granite is one of the least porous natural stones. When properly sealed, it won't stain at all. But over time, the seal on your granite counter will start to deteriorate, leaving it open to stains.
Clorox, whether it is Clorox wipes or the Multi-Purpose cleaning fluid, is not safe to use for cleaning and disinfecting your granite. The multi-purpose cleaner contains bleach, which is extremely harmful for granite and many other natural stones.
Quartz is generally less expensive.
But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
Corian costs between $45 and $65 per square foot. Granite costs between $50 and $200 per square foot. Corian offers superior const advantages over granite. However, the price difference is not as significant as it sounds.
If you're old countertops are a neutral color and in decent condition, it may not make sense to replace them ahead of putting your home on the market. However, if the countertops look dated, are stained or are in poor general condition, they can be a deterrent to selling your home.
When you don't seal your countertops, they tend to quickly absorb food and liquids, leading to deep stains. Since the countertops are bare, the stains develop within a matter of minutes, even if you are quick to wipe the spill. The countertops not only absorb liquids, but grease and pigments as well.
The good news is sealing granite is an easy do-it-yourself project. Many homeowners seal their granite counters once or twice a year, although you can seal them more regularly if you wish because it is not possible to over-seal natural stone.
Hardness and longevity: Granite is comparatively harder and stronger than marble. It is mostly known as the most durable natural stone and compared to marble. It is resistant to heat and can easily withstand hot cookware therefore it is perfect for kitchen tops.
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), stone countertops are rated as able to last a lifetime, over 100 years are more. That's over twice as long as most other materials — talk about getting some bang for your buck! There is a little bit of a catch, however.
Lifespan. Warranties on quartz countertops last from 10 years to the life of your home. In reality, they have the potential to last much longer than your house. The man-made products used in their construction don't break down over time, and the natural materials are all but indestructible.
Hard stone countertops like granite and quartz can withstand knife work in the kitchen without scratching. However, if you cut acidic foods like citrus fruits, the acid can degrade the surface of the countertop, leaving a noticeable dull spot.
Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not crack granite.
To protect your counters and your knives, avoid chopping vegetables and butchering meat directly on the surface of your granite. Instead, protect the surface with a large cutting board. Always keep knives inside of a protective knife block, and tell family members to keep other cutlery put away.